How to Become a Referee
At the beginning of the hockey season there are BC Hockey Officiating Clinics throughout British Columbia. You can attend any of the clinics for your age and experience and, if successful completing the clinic, can officiate anywhere in the province. It is important to register as early as possible as the clinics fill up very quickly. In the past there have been clinics in November and December, but it's best not to depend on them. You will need your Hockey Canada ID to register online, which your organization's Registrar can provide.
All officials MUST complete the Online Pre-Task and bring their certificate to the clinic. If you do not have your certificate you will not be allowed entrance into the clinic. Your completion of the Pre-task is automatically recorded on your Hockey Canada profile for reference. You should register for your clinic first then you can use your EHockey username and password to login to the Pre-Task. Click on “Start Course” and select the appropriate pre-task. The course does not need to be done all at once; but must be completed before the start of the clinic. REMINDER: Completion of the Online Pre-Task does not mean you are registered for the clinic you still need to complete the online registration to attend the clinic.
BC Hockey also offers Summer Officiating Schools in August each year at Osoyoos and Lake Cowichan. These schools are for females and males, from age 12 to 18 (as of 31 December of the current year) and, if successful, provide you with the same qualifications to officiate as a BC Hockey Officiating Clinic. Top level refs run these summer schools with training activities such as power skating, positioning on the ice, with recreational activities each day like swimming and mini-golf.
There is also the Western Canadian Referee School, held in Maple Ridge during July. Trevor Boudrea, the head of the school, runs an excellent program very similar in nature to the BC Hockey summer schools with both on-ice and classroom training. Top level coaches, referees and trainers address the trainees on developing their officiating skills and understanding the game of hockey. You will need to attend a BC Hockey certification course in order to officiate in the following hockey season.
12 to 15 year olds (as of 31 December of the current year), are eligible to become a Level 1 Official. There are clinics hosted specially for new refs which have an on-ice component to train you in the physical skills and understanding you need to officiate a game. Your first reffing will be of Novice games and you will be with a "Shadow Referee" who will help you maintain the correct position on the ice and make calls (e.g. off-sides and icing). Our organisation also provides on-ice clinics throughout the year to help you develop your skills and there are monthly quizzes on the Hockey Canada rules.
16 years and older (as of 31 December of the current year), who are new or experienced need to attend a Level 2 Officiating clinic. Experienced Level 2 refs who are a minimum of 18 years old (as of 31 December of the current year) should refer to the BC Hockey website for the prerequisites to become a Level 3, or higher, official.
The qualifications attained at the clinics are valid until 31 December of the following year, e.g. if you are "carded" (pass the clinic) in September 2012, you are qualified until 31 December 2013.
BC Hockey makes a special effort to support young referees. During the hockey season there are contests to attend Vancouver Canucks games. In the past year one of our referees got to be on the ice with the Canucks during the National Anthem, and two of our referees won an essay prize where prior to the game they met the game's NHL referees and linesmen.
The Vancouver Girls Ice Hockey organization supports our referees with free officiating on-ice training clinics and other incentives.
The BC Ministry of Education Recognized Athlete Programs includes hockey officiating. Please refer here on pages 106 & 117 for further information.
Asociation Equipment Requirements:
*Hockey Canada Referee's Case Book/Rule Combination (provided at officiating clinic)
*Notebook & pen/pencil
*ACME Thunderer Fingergrip Metal Whistle
*CSA approved helmet (black in colour & without association or team identfication), to which a CSA approved visor must be securely attached and not altered in any way
*CSA approved neck guard
*Official referee sweater with BC Hockey crest sewn on the top left (see banner photo above). BC Hockey crest is provided at officiating clinic.
*Elbow pads
*Black, pressed pants (no stripes, etc)
*Pelvic protector (Jill) / Athletic support and cup
*Shin and knee pads
*Polished hockey skates and clean white laces
*A member of the Officiating Program, in the course of duty as an Official, shall be neat and clean in appearance and is to be properly dressed at all times.